Abstract

Background

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is not common worldwide, but it
is the most common T- and NK-cell lymphomas in many Asian countries. Immunophenotypic
profiles were studied based on limited series. The authors, therefore, studied on
ENKTL according to characterize immunophenotypic profiles as well as the distribution
of EBV subtype and LMP-1 gene deletion.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated TIA-1 and EBER as the two most sensitive markers. There
were a few CD3 and/or CD56 negative cases noted. Interestingly, losses of CD45 and/or
CD7 were not uncommon while Oct2 and IRF4/MUM1 could be positive in a subset of cases.
Based on the present study in conjunction with the literature review, determination
of PCR-based TCR gene rearrangement analysis might not be a useful technique for making
diagnosis of ENKTL.